Senator Mike McKay spoke with WCBC this week on a number of bills in process during the General Assembly session.  One of McKay’s bills involves an “uncoupling” of Canal Place and the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area.  McKay says a new 3-member board for Canal Place from the City, County, and Western Maryland Delegation would simplify property management… McKay thinks it is time for the two organizations to be separated so that the Heritage Area’s operations mirror the Heritage Areas in the rest of the state…

UPMC Western Maryland will now be able to offer a new non-invasive procedure for heart patients. Dr. Christopher Haas made the announcement Monday on the Dave Norman program… UPMC Western Maryland has been working to receive approval from Medicare for the new procedure and the first patient is scheduled for February 29th.

Democratic Governor Wes Moore has announced even more funding for access to abortion care statewide. An additional $15.6 million will be coming through the Department of Health in the form of grants to the University of Maryland at Baltimore to expand the number of healthcare professionals with abortion training, and Planned Parenthood of Maryland to operate a clinical site.  Money is also allocated to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement.

Mineral County Republican Delegate Gary Howell who chairs the West Virginia House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, is pleased with how the state’s tourism industry is growing. He says they have long rebounded from Covid keeping visitors away and are looking ahead to other possibilities for the state for recreation and employment…

Fueled by the NFL Playoffs this year, Maryland’s January sports wagering market generated over $8 million in taxes to the state, an increase of nearly four times more than January of 2023.  January is usually strong because of the football playoffs and was exceptionally higher this year because of the appearance of the Baltimore Ravens early on.  A total of $544.9 million was wagered in January and $464.9 million paid out in prize money.  The Sports Wagering Tax goes to support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Education Plan.

With just a few hours to go before the deadline, Neil Parrott filed paperwork to run for the open District 6 Congressional seat.  Parrott has run for the seat twice before, losing to David Trone by fairly wide margins. This time he will be facing fellow Republicans including Mariela Roca, and Dan Cox.  Parrott said in his announcement that he thinks he has well-rounded experience for the role…

The Snow Emergency Plan for Allegany County will be placed in effect this morning, February 13, 2024 at 0300 hours by Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack and the Maryland State Highway Administration. Citizens are reminded and encouraged to report any suspected crimes or illicit drug activity to the Allegany & Mineral County Crime-solvers at 301-722-4300 or on the web at http://www.allegany-mineralcountycrimesolvers.com/.  You do not have to give your name and tips always remain anonymous.  Rewards are available up to $1,500 in cash.  All information is welcomed and appreciated in the fight against drugs and crime. 

February 14 – UPDATE – The missing juvenile was found by police in South Cumberland and returned to his mother. The Cumberland Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Jose Michael Lee Logsdon. Logsdon is a 13-year-old white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and 155 pounds. Logsdon was last seen on St. Mary’s Avenue in Cumberland on February 12th, 2023 at approximately 7:30 am, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, light gray sweatpants and black Crocs. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts please call the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600. Callers can remain…

All Allegany County Public Schools will be CLOSED, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Synchronous learning will take place for students via the Schoology platform with login hours at 8:30 am for elementary and 8:00 am for middle and high.  As always, students without access to connectivity will be given up to two days to submit assignments.  All synchronous virtual learning schedules can be found on the ACPS website.   Additionally, all staff may work remotely, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, with the exception of essential personnel.

Emergency responders including those from Allegany County are on site in Morgan County, WV at a train derailment. Reports are the derailment near Magnolia includes at least one tanker leaking fluid.